Albuquerque, NM Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 200+ sq ft new construction/addition
- Planting deadline
- 60 days after construction
- Minimum caliper
- 2.0 inches at planting
- Standard setback
- 2 ft from sidewalk centerline
- Maintenance duty
- Abutting lot owner
Summary
Street trees required on new construction must go in the curb-side landscape/buffer strip, spaced per an approved street tree plan, using species from the city's official plant list.
Street trees shall be placed between the curb and the public sidewalk and in the landscape/buffer area, unless traffic safety requires different locations of trees, as specified in division (2) of this division (B).
(1) The standard setback of trees located between the curb and the public sidewalk depends on the relationship of the sidewalk to the curb.
(a) Where more than four feet of space exists between the back of curb and the sidewalk, street trees shall be planted with their centerline two feet from the sidewalk.
(b) Where less than three feet of space exists, street trees shall not be planted into the landscape/buffer area. Any street trees required by the city shall be planted within 20 feet of the back of curb of the abutting street. In addition to fulfilling the street tree requirement, such trees can be included in the calculation described in § 14-16-5-6(D). Furthermore, if an off-street parking area is located along the frontage of the site, these trees may also be used to fulfill the landscaping regulations for these areas, in possible addition to the street tree and coverage requirements.
(c) Where the sidewalk is at the curb, two planting schemes are possible:
1. Preferably, the tree shall be planted at least two feet beyond the property-side edge of the sidewalk; or
2. If the sidewalk is six feet wide or wider, street trees may be
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
Builders adding 200+ square feet of new building or paving a parking lot along a major or major local street must submit a street tree plan and plant accordingly within 60 days of construction completion. Trees go between the curb and sidewalk (the landscape/buffer area): where more than four feet separates curb from sidewalk, trees center two feet from the sidewalk; narrower strips shift trees toward the right-of-way edge or require Development Review Board siting. Trees must be 2.0-inch caliper at planting, chosen from the Official Albuquerque Plant Palette and Sizing List, and kept alive by the abutting lot owner.
Violations & Fines
Municipal Code violations carry the general penalty: up to a $500 fine, 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to plant street trees in Albuquerque?
Who owns and maintains a planted street tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
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